Carolyn Whaley Batten and Donna Batten Wiggins

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Batten; daughter, Donna Wiggins; parents, Cecil and Ellen Whaley. She is survived by her daughter, Cecelia (Brian) Kirby; grandchildren, Carolyn Johnson, Robert Wiggins, William Wiggins, Joanna DiGirolamo, Chelsea Cave, and Christina Nye.

Carolyn graduated from Knoxville High School at just sixteen, already showing the determination and drive that would define her life. Two years later, she married Bob Batten, and together they built a home for their daughters, Donna and Cecelia.

In 1968, Carolyn began her career with Southern Bell Telephone Company. Through talent and tenacity, she secured the company’s largest account to date with Lockheed Martin. She continued to excel as the company evolved into BellSouth, rising through the ranks and ultimately retiring as a National Account Executive after thirty years of dedicated service.

Her strength extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. While building her career and raising her children, Carolyn also cared for her mother, Ellen Fae Whaley, with unwavering devotion until her passing at age eighty five. Carolyn carried every responsibility placed on her shoulders without complaint, meeting each challenge with grace and resolve.

She held high standards—for herself and for those around her—and she inspired others to rise to meet them. Carolyn was a force in every part of her life: steadfast, capable, and deeply committed to the people she loved.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Donna Batten Wiggins, age 63 of Cartersville, GA on September 26, 2025.

Donna was born in Knoxville, TN on November 22, 1961, to Robert Daniel Batten and Carolyn Whaley Batten.

Donna had two children early in life, Carolyn Johnson and Tori Gravlee. She then met her loving husband Joe Wiggins and shared 40 years of marriage and three more children Joanna DiGirolamo, Robert Wiggins and William Wiggins. Although Donna was not able to be a mother to all of her children, the ones that did get time with her will remember her for the good times they had.

Donna‘s childhood and life before she met Joe wasn’t easy. Unfortunately, she carried those burdens throughout her life. Donna was baptized in 1993. She was able to share importance of Jesus’s life with some of her children and grandchildren. She loved reading the Bible and tried her best to surrender all her troubles to the Lord.

Donna was a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She was funny, loving and arguably the best diaper changer the world has ever seen. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you"(Colossians 3:13)

"Love keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:5)

A Celebration of Life Service for Carolyn Batten and Donna Wiggins will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Jacobs officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave condolences online for the family.